Port Metro Vancouver announces ‘Smart Fleet’ trucking strategy

Port Metro Vancouver has introduced its “Smart Fleet” trucking strategy, a three-year action plan using GPS units to provide information to help improve truck routing and terminal operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of the container truck sector.

The new GPS program, funded by Transport Canada, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Port Metro Vancouver, will increase the number of trucks equipped with GPS units from 300 to 1,000, approximately half of the local fleet.

Port Metro Vancouver’s plan to increase the number of trucks with GPS transponder units will provide a more accurate, real-time base of data enabling greater insight to routing, operational and congestion information. The data collected will allow supply chain participants to better plan for their operations.

In support of this initiative, the 700 newest model year TLS-approved trucks (as of Feb. 28, 2013) will receive a GPS Transponder Unit to be installed in the truck. The GPS transponders will be provided by Port Metro Vancouver at no cost to the truck owner/company.

“Our government is investing $300,000 towards installing 700 GPS units in trucks calling at the port to support Port Metro Vancouver’s new “Smart Fleet” trucking strategy,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Mary Polak. “Data collected from these GPS units will provide valuable information to improve truck routing and improve terminal operations, helping our trucking sector improve its competitiveness while also reducing greenhouse emissions and making the port greener and more efficient.”